Title: Heaven Forbid

Author: XiaoLang - Kaz

Rating: PG13

Summary: I hate him; I wish he was dead. He wants me dead and I couldn't care less. Let him sneer; let him glare; let him express his hatred for me. Let him ignore me, and yet keep all his attention on me. I don't care. …I think I'm in love with him.

Disclaimer: the book series of Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling. All work relating to the book series or the content and characters within belong to her alone.

Chapter III

 

~*~*~*~*~

Joan smiled. "I'm glad for you to visit us at Hogwarts. I'm sure you're time here will be most enjoyable."

This had gone on for at least fifteen minutes already, Joan pulling out clothes for me to wear while I listened to her babble. Of course, I had to be patient for saying I already knew the school would raise suspicion. She explained when we left the Headmaster's office that if I needed anything, or was confused or lost, she would be there to help me out.

She handed me a spare uniform. "Here. This should fit you. It's a bit big on me, but it should fit just right on you."

I nodded and looked around for a place to change in private. Joan caught my searching gaze and showed me where I could dress. I thanked her and undressed quickly. It wasn't hard, really, but when I came to stare at the clothes I would be wearing instead, I grimaced.

"Oh jeez..." I muttered under my breath.

My fingers fumbled clumsily with the buttons and zippers, attempting to figure out how in the hell I was supposed to put this on stuff on. I managed to slip the skirt on, but wondered about my boxers. I didn't need to wear it, but what was I supposed to do with it? I stared down at myself for a long moment before switching to my other problem. I had objects on my chest that normally wouldn't be there.

"Uh..."

I looked around or something to help me with my problem, but found no solution. Sighing in defeat, I simple put on the top of uniform, hoping that I could fix it later.

When I came out to show Joan how things fit, she smiled and nodded.

"It looks great. And just out of curiosity, you do have the rest of your things, right?"

"Huh?"

Her expression turned apologetic. "I mean underwear, accessories, make up; all that. That didn't get lost, did it?"

I felt heat rise in my face at the thought of owning it all. "Um..."

Joan flapped a hand. "Not to worry, we can go to Hogsmeade to get you some stuff. In fact, let's go right now."

I blinked several times at her. "Wh-What? How would we be able to go out to Hogsmead to... um, get me 'stuff'?

"Oh, I guess you don't know, huh? Well, not many people do." She laughed a bit before explaining, "Well, Professor Dumbledore and I have a different relationship than the rest of his students. He trusts in me more and let's me go out and get things for him, or for myself if needed. You can say that Dumbledore is like my father, only far too old to actually mine. Either way, I'm sure he wouldn't mind me helping out the new student with her belongings, right?"

I nodded. "Sure."

A little later Joan and I went out to get me replacements and new accessories. It was strange, shopping with a girl, while being one, and having to ignore the constant stares. Joan introduced me into contacts, probably the greatest invention ever. But also, she showed me female underwear that I couldn't possibly be more embarrassed in my life. I remember how the storeowner was asking for my size.

"Hello," Joan said, greeting the storeowner.

"Oh, hello, Joan! It's nice to see you again. Oh? You've brought a friend?" the woman asked.

Joan smiled. "Yes. On her way from her school to Hogwarts, her things became lost and probably won't arrive till much later. In the mean time, we're trying to fill her drawers. Can you help us?"

The woman smiled in return. "Of course," she said, turning her attention to me and looking me up and down. "Well, I'll go and bring up some things that'll fit you."

I watched the woman left and soon come back with a handful of underwear. She brought us to the back where the dressing rooms were, letting me try them on. I was red as a tomato as I attempted and failed to snap those things in place.

"Harle, dear, are things okay?"

"Uh... no. Actually...?"

I didn't get a chance to say anymore as the woman suddenly entered the dressing room.

"Aah!"

She smiled kindly. "Oh, don't worry, it's not like I haven't seen it already, let alone being a dirty-minded old woman."

I laughed nervously as she looked me over and helped me with the clothes.

"Well, this doesn't fit you," she said after we got things situated properly. She tugged on a strap. "Dear, do you know your size?"

"Uh... size?"

"Yes, dear. You know, for this." She tugged the strap again. "Have you ever looked? Or have you never used these kinds before?"

"I, uh, haven't..."

As my voice trailed, she smiled even more and nodded. "I understand. Well, get out of these and I'll get you something smaller. Apparently, you aren't gifted with the larger size. But then again, it's those girl's who are bigger that have trouble of keeping naughty boys off them." She sighed as she gathered the unwanted clothes to go replace them with different sizes, letting me change.

I sighed heavily and fumbled again with the pieces of clothing, slipping my button-up shirt on as I waited for the woman to come back. When she did, we figured out the right sizes and got me all the clothing and underwear I needed (and didn't want). Then, afterwards, Joan treated me to get some jewelry and hair accessories. Ulgh, I don't think I'll ever shop for girl things again.

During the time Joan was helping me select hair items and other weird paraphernalia like that, I noticed a pair of earrings that caught my interest. Finding no harm in just looking at it (and since it was far better than looking at ribbons and clips), I approached, lifting it off the rack. And no sooner had I did Joan appear at my side.

"Those are lovely. Will you buy them?"

I shook my head. "Ah, nah. I don't even have pierced ears." I brushed hair behind my ear and pointed to it. "See?"

Joan grinned. "Oh, that's not a problem. We can take care of that for you."

I blinked. "Wha—?"

"And they'll be perfect for you to wear while you're ears are getting used to them!"

My eyes widened. Get my ears pierced?!

Apparently, it was not subject for debate. By the time we both headed back to Hogwarts, my ears were red (and not from embarrassment), my arms ached, and my feet were killing me. Really, the day had flown by. It was already past the luncheon hour and I was hungry. Having missed breakfast, it wasn't surprising that my stomach growled at being neglected and unfed. Joan giggled when she heard the roar, taking us to the kitchen and getting something to eat personally.

Spending time with Joan was pretty okay, I figured, but the girl could talk. She's very energetic and loquacious, filling up any silence I provided (which was practically all of the time I was with her). And when we were back at Hogwarts, she explained things to me, like the rules, prefects, OWLS, Years, and all that boring stuff. I swear: if I didn't know better, she was another version of Hermione, only more chatty and rebellious. And since she was like another Hermione, it was easy to befriend her.

By evening, more clothes came in and I was settled in the girl's dormitory, some of my original belongings in a new trunk at the foot of my new bed. I was given a set of pajamas, socks, shoes, a brush and even mirror. With all the small things I purchased that day, I was granted a bag to keep it all in.

When I finished putting away my things, I sighed, landing on top of my trunk.

"Jeez..." I muttered. Joan had left me for the restroom and I was able to enjoy the silence as all the other students were still in classes.

Hedwig was away in the owlry, myself unable to use her in the time that I was female. I hoped that it wasn't permanent, but since I didn't even know what happened to me, nothing could be said. Being a girl was difficult. I'm glad I was born male because being a girl meant high maintenance care for myself. And if anything, I was a slob. I had no care for what I looked like at all. Like I said, I was not perfect. After all, my hair was a pretty good example as to how messy I was. Being a girl would certainly force me to change some things.

A tapping on a nearby window forced me to pause in my thinking. Looking over, I saw it to be Hedwig. Concerned, I let her in and watched as she flew to my bed, perching at the foot. Around her leg was a letter. I detached the note and opened it, finding it to be a note from Dumbledore, explaining more on what I would be going while in my current condition. Hedwig, he explained, would stay in his office and if there were any messages from him, it would be sent by her. At for any outgoing messages, it would be best if he used a friend's owl instead. Hedwig was too unique to go by unnoticed if I continued to use her while Harry Potter was gone. Of course, the same could be said when I receive a letter from him, but I was sure that he would find a way to make it inconspicuous.

I nodded my thanks to Hedwig and sent her off back to Dumbledore, knowing she would show send my appreciation without my having putting it in words. She flew out of the window and left me to sit on my bed and reread the letter, making sure the information was stuck in my head.

"Harle?"

I looked up from the note to see Joan just enter the dorm.

"Oh, hey, Joan."

Joan spotted the note in my hand and smiled.

"Is that from your home?" she asked innocently. "Or the Headmaster?"

"Headmaster," I answered honestly. "He was just making sure I was settled and was okay."

She smiled. "Ah, he's like that. Worries about the wellbeing of all his students— even the ones that have a rather strong dislike of him. But that's what you get for being the headmaster of Hogwarts."

I nodded and Joan told me that dinner was about to start. She just came back from Dumbledore's office and was told to inform me about how Harle would make her first appearance tonight in but a few minutes. I was given enough time to shower and change and all that, Joan showing me to the closest girls' bathroom while she went off to the Hall herself.

Washing was confusing, but I managed to get myself decent before slipping into some clothes, adding on the accessories that Joan picked out for me. Upon my ears was a pair of twin sterling silver crosses, hanging from the hook that silver half-sphere that marked the holes in my ears. Clear contacts were on my eyes to help me see, and a thumb ring on my left hand to complete my new look. Everything else I wore was not different than normal. Well, I suppose wearing boots instead of sneakers was different, but not by much.

I was quick to run back to the tower and arrange my things before heading to the Grand Hall, forgetting belatedly to grab my cloak and finish drying my damp hair. But since I had no time to head back and fix my problems, I entered the Hall as is, pushing the large doors open.

At the sound of the doors opening, all eyes turned in my direction, settling their gaze on me. Apparently, I had interrupted Dumbledore's speech for he was already standing when I entered. I smiled a bit at him and looked around as he continued speaking.

"Ah, and here she is now. Students, please welcome a new student of ours. While Mr. Harry Potter is away, she should do fine in filling in his absence. Let's give her a round of applause."

Students, who were gaping at me clapped as told, the whole Hall joining in as I made my way to the Gryffindor table, easily finding Joan and sitting across from her, evidently near Hermione and Ron as well. Smiling a bit at them, I turned my attention to Joan who gave me a reassuring nod.

Apparently, being a 'new student' gave me all the more reason to be the center of attention again.

~*~*~*~*~

AN: Poor Harry and his shopping. ^^;; Buu~t, I had to add it! I mean, what's the point of having a Harriet Potter if it doesn't come complete with her own accessories and set of clothes? Right? (Hee-hee!) Well, now a few more surprises and good turnabouts have happened to Harry, and things are firing up! I hope to hear some lovely reviews and see you next time! (And, of course, thanks to those who did. If I haven't yet, I'll be contacting you via email to answer any of your questions.)

(Oh, and you must congratulate me! I finally was able to read and purchase Hellsing! And I was able to buy Saiyuki!! Yay!! ^^ My collection continues to grow!)

Ta~!